About Blackbuck:
- It is a species of antelope native to India and Nepal.
- Scientific Name: Antilope cervicapra
- It is widespread in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and other areas throughout peninsular India.
- It has been declared as the state animal by the governments of Punjab, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh.
- Habitat: The blackbuck mostly lives in open grasslands, dry scrub areas, and thinly forested areas.
- Features:
- They are covered with dark brown or black, sleek fur. The chest, belly, muzzle, and chin of the males are covered in white fur.
- The eyes of the males are covered in white rings.
- The males have ringed horns that grow up to about 28 inches in length.
- They weigh about 70 to 95 pounds and grow up to a height of about 32 inches.
- The females are much smaller than their male counterparts. The females also have horns but they are not ringed or spiraled.
- They have very good eyesight and are also very fast runners, which comprise its main defense against predators.
- Conservation status:
- IUCN Red List: Least concerned
- Wildlife Protection Act of 1972: Schedule I
- CITES: Appendix III
Key Facts about Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary: ·
- It is located in the state of Punjab.
- The entire area of Sanctuary is private or community-owned land of 13 Bishnoi villages.
- Flora: Albizia lebbeck, Acacia nilotica, Azadirachata indica, A. tortilis etc.
- Fauna: Wild Boar, Blue Fauna Bull, Porcupines, Hare, Jackal, etc.
